Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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144. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on extending driver licences for those whose licences expire between 1 September and 30 November 2020 for seven months due to ongoing backlogs in the NDLS system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36087/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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There is no plan to further extend the validity of driving licences. Irish driving licence law is based on a framework of EU law, and the current extensions bring us into line with the EU legislation.

The RSA has worked with their providers to create additional capacity needed, while adhering to the return to work protocol including making additional evening and weekend hours available at many centres, the recruitment of additional staff, and extending its postal service for those who are over 70 years of age.

I am pleased to say that, following my recent signing of updated Regulations, the RSA is expanding the online facility to accommodate all driving licence and learner permit application types to enable accessibility online rather than by calling to an office. These measures will ease some of the pressure on the NDLS centres, free up appointment slots and make it easier to find those slots at local centres. A Public Services Card and a verified MyGovID account is required to access the online system.